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A VISION BUILT ON DETAIL

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A professional headshot of Mr. Ravi Menon of Sobha Group, a leader in the luxury furniture and real estate division, smiling in a formal setting.

Exclusive Interview with Mr. Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group and Mr. Anuj Jain, Chief Executive Officer, Sobha Furniture.

Ravi, as the chairman of Sobha Group and the titan in the real estate market, can you share your journey and experience with us and how has it been for you so far?

    For me, the journey has been both deeply personal and professionally gratifying. Although I relocated to Dubai only three years back, Sobha Group’s foundation in the UAE was laid long before my move. Since then, particularly post-2020, it has been nothing short of exceptional. Year on year, our business has seen sustained growth and our sales performance is tracking ahead well, cementing our vision of becoming a global benchmark for world-class real estate.

    We also recently expanded into Umm Al Quwain with two new projects and are preparing to enter the Abu Dhabi market as part of our long-term strategy to build a diversified UAE-wide portfolio valued at approximately USD8 billion. Overall, it has been an extraordinary journey, but for Sobha Group, this is just the beginning.

    How are you competing with other brands in the market, especially when it comes to UAE? And what makes you one step ahead?

    At Sobha, we stand out in the market because of our ‘Backward Integration’ model. Our model is fundamentally distinct because we are one of the very few developers globally who have a fully backward integrated model, which is extremely rare in our industry, where most developers limit themselves to land acquisition, sales, and outsourced execution. This means that from concept to design to final delivery, every stage is managed in-house, ensuring that all projects are integrated with the highest standards of quality that Sobha Group is known for. This also helps us reduce dependencies on external suppliers, providing us with stronger control over quality, delivery timelines, and execution.

    What also makes us unique is the culture we have built over the decades. The Group is driven by my father’s legacy and passion for design, passion for construction, and passion for continuous improvement. The moment we complete a project; we are already thinking about how we can raise the benchmark for the next one. That mindset keeps the entire organization’s future focused.

    Now with Sobha Furniture, this entire project marks a new milestone. What does this launch mean for the brand? And for Sobha Realty as a whole?

    Sobha Furniture is not the beginning of something new; it is the return to where it all began. In fact, 50 years ago, when my father started his entrepreneurial journey, it started with interior decoration. For him, he has always been extremely passionate about the art of details and accuracy, within a millimetre precision.

    From the outset, our philosophy has always been simple – to invest in the best of machinery, technology, and talent. This mix has allowed us to maintain a standard of quality that is non-negotiable in our business. We understand that a home is a very personal space and when we decided to launch Sobha Furniture, we were very mindful of the pinch points that customers face and wanted to create a business that sets a new benchmark for large-scale, design-led furniture manufacturing — Made in the UAE, for the world.

    There has long been a gap between design ambition and furniture manufacturing capability in this region, and Sobha Furniture shall be bridging that gap. What this launch ultimately signifies is the formalization of something that has always been intrinsic to Sobha Group: design excellence, engineering precision, and a culture of co-creation. With ‘The Gallery’ and our expanded manufacturing capabilities, we now have a space where clients can experience our craft firsthand, collaborate with our teams, and shape pieces that reflect their exact vision.

    Our business approach follows the same philosophy to build a unique fully integrated ecosystem that is capable of handling everything under one roof. And furniture is also part of that. When I say furniture, the cabinets, the kitchen cabinets, the wardrobes, the bathrooms, everything. So, every apartment that we have delivered in this market reflects these capabilities.

    Mr. Anuj Jain, Chief Executive Officer, Sobha Furniture Insights:

    A professional portrait of Mr. Anuj Jain of Sobha Furniture, respectively,

    Furniture has always been part of the game, and we’re just giving light to the vision of what Mr. PNC Menon has. So right now, this is a B2B co-creating space. We’ll soon be catering to B2C audience as well.

    We will have a lot of offerings for the end customer as well as the B2B partners and developers and designers in the upcoming coming years.

    So Mr. Anuj, how does The Gallery embody the direction and the future of Sobha Furniture as a brand, especially when it comes to showcasing the replica projects here that is showcased, the walk-in closets and materials and finishings?

    The Gallery is a preview into what our vision for Sobha Furniture is. We did not want to create a traditional setup, which is why we have designed this as a working space for architects, interior designers, developers, and project partners rather than just a retail showroom. Every space has been thoughtfully curated to embody our outlook to connect, collaborate, and co-create with the community and showcases our passion for being partners from start to finish.

    Designed as fully functional spaces, each of our mock-up areas serve a specific purpose and gives customers a deep insight into our design concepts, materials, finishes, and overall approach to furniture manufacturing. This is the first step to fulfilling our mission to set the foundation of a new standard and deliver projects that will showcase the precision and exceptional quality that Sobha is known for.

    Mr. Ravi, looking towards the future, let’s say in the next 20 years ahead, what plans are looking forward to?

    The industry we work in is very dynamic; it pushes us every day to ensure that our long-term direction is clear. Sobha Furniture is a brand rooted in legacy – one that we envision to be Made in the UAE for the world. Setting up our foundation here has given us unparalleled access to infrastructure, connectivity, talent, and an overall ecosystem that has set us up for success on the scale we are aiming for.

    One of our immediate priorities is the launch of our flagship factory in Dubai Industrial City. It is an enormous, 53,000 sqm facility that will house the best-in-class full automated machinery and will bring an integrated approach to furniture manufacturing with everything from foaming to cutting, stitching, framing and upholstery.

    As part of our strategic expansion, we are looking to establish our presence in key international markets. In fact, we have already shortlisted three potential properties in the US market and are also exploring the potential of entering the Australian market. 20 years is a long time, but we are steadfast in our commitment of building on a scale with exceptional quality that has not been seen in the region before.

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    ARABIAN ACRES DELIVERS LANDMARK AED 400M COASTAL LAND ACQUISITION, SETTING NEW RECORD FOR RESIDENTIAL LAND TRANSACTIONS IN THE UAE

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    Arabian Acres, a Dubai-based luxury real estate brokerage and development advisory firm specialising in super-prime residential and commercial transactions, has concluded the acquisition of three adjacent freehold plots in Jumeirah Coastline for a collective value of AED 400 million (approximately USD 109 million). The deal represents one of the most significant private coastal land assemblies in Dubai and marks the largest residential land transaction completed in Dubai.

    This transaction comes at a time when global capital is increasingly seeking resilient, well-regulated markets. The UAE’s policy stability, strong governance and long-term growth fundamentals continue to reinforce its position as a preferred investment destination

    “Large-scale land acquisitions of this nature reflect steady institutional and private wealth confidence in the UAE’s regulatory transparency, economic resilience, and long-term growth trajectory. Sustained capital inflows into Dubai’s prime and super-prime real estate segments continue to reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the world’s most stable and resilient investment destinations. At Arabian Acres, our role goes beyond brokerage. We work closely with local & international clients to navigate and execute complex, high-value opportunities in Dubai’s evolving real estate market.” Issa Atiq, CEO, Arabian Acres.

    The consolidated landholding spans over 113,000 sq. ft, with a stretch of 160 metres of private beachfront along the Arabian Gulf, forming one of the last remaining contiguous coastal development opportunities of this scale in the Emirate. The transaction was completed in March 2026 and registered through the Dubai Land Department as three coordinated unit transfers. Arabian Acres structured, sequenced, and executed the entire acquisition, acting as exclusive broker for both buyer and seller. 

    The combined site is projected to deliver a gross development value exceeding AED 1 billion, driven by its extreme scarcity, scale and the planned integration of Dubai’s only residential land opportunity combining private beach access with a dedicated residential yacht marina. The development will comprise three ultra-luxury villas, each with direct beachfront access and private marina docking.

    According to Dubai Land Department data, the three plots have appreciated between 255% and 335% over the past three years, underscoring both the scarcity of prime coastal land and the sustained demand for ultra-luxury residential assets. As contiguous beachfront plots become increasingly rare, structured land assemblies are expected to diminish further, amplifying the strategic significance of this transaction.

    “This was a tightly structured transaction that required all three plots to move together. The window to secure this site was exceptionally narrow, as these were the last adjacent beachfront plots of this scale. Once developed, this combination of site, beach and planned marina access will be exceptionally difficult to replicate, making this one of the most strategically significant land transactions we have led to date” Added Issa Atiq.

    While global markets continue to navigate heightened uncertainty, the fundamentals underpinning Dubai’s investment appeal remain firmly intact. Finite by nature and impossible to replicate, prime beachfront and waterfront land continues to attract significant capital from ultra-high-net-worth investors seeking long-term value, stability and asset security. Supported by strong regulatory frameworks, freehold ownership protections, RERA oversight and long-term economic planning, Dubai continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s most transparent and resilient real estate markets.

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    WESTERN FURNITURE EXPANDS PORTFOLIO WITH NEW BRANDS ‘CIERRE’, ‘ZANOTTA’, AND ‘DESALTO’

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    While Showcasing Global Partnerships at Salone del Mobile 2026

    Western Furniture Brands, one of the UAE’s leading luxury home and lifestyle retailers in UAE, recently captivated attendees at the prestigious Salone del Mobile 2026 in Milan, the world’s most prestigious design and furniture exhibition. Renowned as a global benchmark for innovation and craftsmanship, the annual event brings together the industry’s most influential brands and design visionaries.

    Marking a significant milestone in its growth journey, Western Furniture announced the acquisition of ‘Cierre’, ‘Zanotta’, and ‘Desalto’, the newest addition to its distinguished portfolio in the UAE. This strategic expansion reflects the company’s continued commitment to curating world-class brands and elevating the region’s luxury interiors landscape.

    With a rich and diverse portfolio, Western Furniture proudly represents some of the most renowned names in international design, including Tonin casa, Tomasella, Draenert, Cierre, Natuzzi italia, Unopiù, Miniforms, Calligaris, Adriani rossi, and Reflex , each embodying excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless aesthetics.

    A key highlight of this year’s participation was Natuzzi Italia, exclusively represented by Western Furniture in the UAE for over 15 years. The brand, which operates a flagship store in Dubai, showcased its latest collections, reaffirming its leadership in contemporary Italian design.

    Mr. Mikdad Babhrawala, CEO of Western Furniture LLC, expressed his pride in the longstanding partnership, emphasizing its strength and continuity. He noted that Natuzzi Italia, as a globally recognized brand with a rich heritage, has maintained a strong and enduring presence in the UAE market for many years.

    Mr. Mikdad continue “the presence of our brands at Salone del Mobile reflects our long-term vision to continuously bring the finest global design experiences to the UAE. The addition of ‘Cierre’, ‘Zanotta’, and ‘Desalto’,  to our portfolio marks an exciting new chapter, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, exclusivity, and growth. We take great pride in our enduring partnerships with globally respected brands like Natuzzi Italia, which have played a pivotal role in shaping the luxury interiors landscape in the region.”

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    MILANO BY DANUBE INTRODUCES “GLOBAL DIRECT” STRATEGY AT CANTON FAIR AMID GLOBAL SHIPPING UNCERTAINTY

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    Milano by Danube, a leading global lifestyle and home solutions brand, has introduced its new “Global Direct” logistics strategy at this year’s Canton Fair, responding proactively to ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions across key shipping routes impacting global trade. Global Direct model stands as the most agile logistics strategy that allows the brand to ship products directly from its international hubs to partners across global markets and bypass traditional transit routes.

    The move comes at a time when conflict-driven disruptions across major shipping corridors have created delays, rising freight costs, and operational uncertainty for businesses that rely heavily on conventional shipping networks. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Milano has adapted quickly by restructuring its supply chain model to ensure uninterrupted deliveries for its partners worldwide.

    Through its Global Direct approach, orders placed at Canton Fair are fulfilled directly from Milano’s global hub in China and routed straight to destination markets, eliminating dependency on congested Middle Eastern transit points and significantly reducing delays which will ensure faster and more reliable deliveries.

    Speaking about the strategy, Mr. Sahil Sajan, Director of Milano, said, “The current global environment has made businesses rethink how they operate and move products across borders. We recognized early that waiting for traditional shipping channels to stabilize was not an option. Our Global Direct model ensures that our partners continue receiving products on time while maintaining cost efficiency and supply continuity.”

    Milano’s presence at Canton Fair received an overwhelmingly positive response from international traders, distributors, and partners who are increasingly exploring alternative logistics solutions to sustain their businesses amid growing uncertainty.

    The company observed a significant shift in conversations at the event, with traders from across regions actively seeking dependable alternatives to conventional shipping routes in order to avoid prolonged delays and operational disruptions.

    Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, this year’s Canton Fair witnessed remarkable global participation. The event remained as vibrant and crowded as ever, drawing visitors, buyers, and business leaders from across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and beyond, underscoring the resilience of global trade and the determination of businesses to adapt.

    Mr. Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, added, “What stood out at Canton Fair this year was the resilience of global businesses. The fair was packed with buyers from around the world, and a common concern among many was finding faster, more reliable ways to keep their businesses operational. Our Global Direct strategy directly addresses that need and positions Milano as a reliable partner during uncertain times.”

    As businesses continue to navigate an evolving global trade landscape, Milano’s strategic shift reflects its commitment to innovation, adaptability, and ensuring that partners remain competitive regardless of external challenges. With Global Direct now in motion, Danube Group’s Milano is reinforcing its position not just as a leading lifestyle and home solutions brand, but as a business partner equipped to solve modern supply chain challenges.

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